George Baker
Juan Mata sends words of encouragement for Shola Shoretire
According to MEN, Juan Mata has heaped some words of praise on Manchester United starlet Shole Shoretire. The veteran star has asked the 17-year-old to keep pushing for greater heights after making his breakthrough this season.
The academy graduate was the talk of the club ahead of his debut this season. Solskjaer kept the youngster in the loop by including him in first-team training. He was often called up to the games as well, taking a spot on the bench.
The baby-faced striker would eventually go on to make his debut against Newcastle but did not have much time to make an impact. A few days later, he created history against Real Sociedad. At 17 years and 23 days, he became the youngest player in history to make his bow for United in a European competition. He broke the record held by Norman Whiteside since 1982.
Shoretire considers Mata as his mentor
Shoretire idolises a veteran teammate of his. He has considered Juan Mata as his mentor and studies how the playmaker plays.
“So you have to be quite technical, I think, and I look up to Juan Mata. He’s not the tallest or the strongest but is probably one of the cleverest players I’ve seen play and played with. He is always two steps ahead. I admire him a lot.”
Mata, in turn, has headed some praise his younger colleague’s way.
“Keep going Shola, it’s a joy to watch you play!”
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The youngster has already made three first-team appearances this season. He is likely to get more chances if he keeps progressing in the same way.
